A Look at Ergonomics in the Distribution Center

Think for a moment about your personal definition of productivity. Words like “effectiveness” and “output” and “production” likely come to mind. But what we often forget in material handling is that productivity doesn’t have to mean harder work. In fact, in manufacturing operations and distribution facilities, higher productivity often means less demanding physical work, employee touches, and interactions between product and personnel. What do we mean by this? The answer lies in ergonomics, the science of designing the job to fit the worker instead of physically forcing the worker’s body to fit the job. According to the Occupational Health & Safety Administration, ergonomics helps lessen muscle fatigue, increases productivity, and reduces the number and severity of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Let’s take a look at the relationship between ergonomics and productivity in the distribution center: In the distribution center, workplace injuries aren’t just detrimental to employee health and safety; they can also have a significant impact on productivity. With workers sidelined and unable to work, companies face serious productivity losses – not to mention costly worker compensation insurance premiums. In addition to serious injuries such as falls, slips, and trips, warehouse workers run the risk of developing MSDs, including muscle strains, lower back injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and more. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, in fact, shows MSDs are twice as common in the warehousing and distribution sector as they are in other private-sector industries. Enter workplace ergonomics. Ergonomics is not a feel good factor, but instead the linchpin in designing work processes and workplace. Ergonomics not only contributes to the well-being and relief of the staff, but also brings measurable and distinct advances in productivity. Here are a handful of actionable tips for distribution centers to drive productivity gains with ergonomics: • Review worker tasks for […]